Ceremonial Bowl

Unknown

19th–early 20th century · Wood, traces of lime pigment · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

The artists of the Tami Islands, a group of small islets off the eastern tip of the Huon Peninsula, were the most prolific carvers in northeast New Guinea. Tami carvers produced large quantities of objects, in part for local use but primarily for trade to neighboring groups. The most important Tami trade goods were intricately carved hardwood bowls, which formed an essential component of the bride-wealth gifts exchanged at marriage ceremonies throughout the region. Superbly crafted and highly polished, Tami bowls served as ceremonial vessels, used for the preparation and distribution of food during feasts and rituals. This bowl likely depicts the face of a spirit, clad in the distinctive three-peaked ceremonial headdress (oa balan) worn by prominent men.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th–early 20th century

Medium

Wood, traces of lime pigment

Culture

Tami Islands

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979